Electronic Hardware Displays: New Research And Development

Electronic displays have been around for decades, and like all new technologies, we're just now beginning to understand the full range of obstacles and side effects of these displays. And with the transition from cathode ray tubes, fluorescent, liquid crystal displays, plasma, light-emitting diodes, and even newer types of electronic displays still in the development phase, the goalposts keep getting moved. As soon as we understand the effects, or lack thereof, of electronic displays on the eyes, brain, and other biological systems, new display technologies come to market and we have to start over all again. That said, here's a brief overview for the layperson about the direction of electronic hardware displays, their functionality, and side effects for users.

Fewer Side Effects
Although not necessarily effect of any game-changing technology, brighter electronic displays associated with digital billboards are a controversial topic among local governments and opposing interest groups. Though tough to measure, it seems inevitable that digital billboards constitute some level of motorist distraction. How these displays might affect accident rates is another matter, and given the ability of digital billboards to convey traffic warning and emergency alerts, it's by no means certain that their proliferation is a net negative on motorist safety. That said, better electronic display technology is likely reducing their effect as a motorist distraction. External sensors can monitor outdoor illumination levels that naturally change with night and day, clear skies and cloud cover. With automated and adjustable illumination levels, digital billboards can modify their brightness for nearly any conditions and provide clear but safe electronic displays.

New research has also uncovered some interesting and unintended effects of newer generation electronic displays. More so than other forms of electronic displays, LED displays generate higher levels of blue wavelength light. This blue wavelength light is a much closer approximation of daylight than other forms of illumination, including fluorescent, incandescent, and other forms of artificial lighting. This, in turn, likely implies that LED displays are a contributing factor in the growing numbers and severity of sleep deprivation. To combat this side effect, many manufacturers and software developers are offering automatic scheduling or software programs that gradually changes the color temperature of displays at the end of the day, replacing the blue wavelengths with warmer red light that is less disruptive of sleep patterns.

The Future of Electronic Display Research and Development
Like so many areas of study, it seems the more we find out about electronic displays, the more we discover how much there is yet to learn. Even so, what we have already learned about past technologies and electronic displays in general will certainly help us evaluate the potential and side effects of future electronic displays. It will also help electronic display manufacturers better allocate their research and development budgets for technologies of the future.